If you’re an art lover, then the time has come to look forward to 2023 because not only is Singapore Art Week taking over the city from 6 January to 15 January, but there is also Artbox in February and March.
The 11th edition of SAW will be the largest ever, bringing together local and international artists in a program that includes experiential activities, engaging discussions, art tours and trails in museums, galleries, independent art spaces and public spaces.
Firstly, a huge highlight for the 10-day art festival that is SAW is the homecoming presentation of Pulp III: A Short Biography of the Banished Book by artist Shubigi Rao and curated by Ute Meta Bauer. It comes home after a successful seven-month run at the 59th International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia (Biennale Arte 2022) and is a must-see event, both thought-provoking and relevant to the city.
It continues a decade-long exploration into the history of book destruction and its impact on the futures of knowledge and includes a film screening of Taking Leaves presented at ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands from 6 to 24 January 2023. However, it’s not the only eye-opening exhibition that aesthetes will get to experience this January in Singapore. As well as Pulp III, other highlights of SAW include Light to Night 2023: Here to Now.
With free entry at the Civic Centre, Light to Night is all about the present and how artists across multiple mediums respond to our time and environment. Visitors will come face-to-face with newly commissioned works by local and international artists that provoke questions, instigate discussions and require deep reflection.
If you’re short on time, SAW has the perfect solution with two art hub showcases: S.E.A. Focus and ART SG.
Dedicated to Southeast Asian contemporary art, S.E.A. Focus runs from 6-15 January. It includes a market, film screenings, and conversations with industry thought leaders as well as experiences for art collectors, artists and galleries.
The inaugural ART SG held at Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre from 12-15 January will be Asia Pacific’s biggest art fair launch in a decade. The best of Singapore’s art scene will rub shoulders with internationally renowned galleries and collectors.
Buyers from around the world will be able to take in the showcase that includes painting, sculpture, photography, and installations, as well as new experimentations in digital and blockchain art.
SAW 2023 also includes self-curated art trails by Public Art Trust that detail Singapore’s heritage, history, ambitions and artistic developments. Tours are also on the cards where those interested in food, culture, street art and local landmarks can find out more from the experts.
With more than 130 art events peppered around and city and across the 10-day celebration of Singapore’s art landscape, there’s almost too much to take in. You best start going through the Singapore Art Week program and make a list of the art you want to see.
In the meantime, dive deep into Singapore Art Week taking over the city from 6 January to 15 January to experience the best of contemporary local and international artists with experiential works, thought-provoking discussions, and a whole host of art trails and tours.
Check out the link for more information on SAW 2023 or browse the SAW digital program to start marking the art that you want to see first.